Women’s Health

Cervical screening (smear test)

Cervical screening is a routine health check that identifies potentially harmful cells and changes on the cervix.

It is not a test for cancer, but catching changes early can significantly reduce your risk of developing cervical cancer. Regular screenings help save lives, which is why it is important to attend when invited.

Who is invited

• Aged 25 to 64: All women and people with a cervix should receive an invite.
• Frequency: You will usually be invited for a screening every 5 years.

How to book

If you think your appointment is overdue, please contact the practice to check. When booking, please tell the receptionist you are requesting a “smear test” or cervical screening.

• Learn more: Read about cervical screening on the NHS website.

Contraception and family planning

We offer a range of contraceptive services provided by our doctors, nurse practitioners, and practice nurses during surgery hours.

Long-acting contraception (Coils)

Our clinical team at Orchid House Surgery offers intrauterine device (IUCD/Coil) fittings and removals.

• Book a fitting: Please contact our reception team to schedule an initial consultation with one of our trained clinicians to discuss your options.

Urgent and emergency help

If you have an urgent issue outside of our opening hours:

Emergency contraception: Find emergency services at Sexual Health Dorset

Pregnancy advice and terminations

You can get impartial help and advice from the British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS). If you have decided to terminate a pregnancy, you can refer yourself directly without seeing a GP.

Self-referral phone: Call 0300 456 2217

Website: Visit the BPAS website

Breast Screening

 The breast screening programme uses a simple X-ray called a mammogram to check for signs of cancer that are too small to see or feel.

When you will be invited

• Eligibility: Women aged 50 to 70 are invited every 3 years.
• The Process: This is a national programme and is not managed by the GP practice. NHS England will send you an invitation letter with a phone number to book your appointment.

When to see a GP

Do not wait for a screening invitation if you notice changes. Make an immediate appointment with your GP if you discover a breast lump or any changes to your breasts.

Learn more:  NHS guide to breast screening.

At-home HPV self-testing kits

The NHS has announced the phased rollout of at-home HPV self-testing kits as part of the NHS Cervical Screening Programme.

This new option is designed to make screening more accessible for eligible individuals aged 30 to 65 who are overdue for their cervical screening and have not attended following previous routine invitations.

Key Information for Patients

• Invitation-Only & Phased: This is a centrally managed, phased national rollout. Not everyone will be contacted at once.
• Direct Contact from the NHS: If eligible, you will receive a direct invitation from NHS England via the NHS App, text message, email or letter, explaining how to request your free kit.
• How Kits are Ordered: Invited patients can order a kit directly via the NHS App, their NHS account online, or a dedicated national order telephone line specified in their invitation.

⚠️ Please Do Not Contact the Surgery

GP practices cannot issue, order, or request these home test kits for you.

• Please do not call or message the practice to ask for a home test kit or to enquire about your place on the rollout list.
• If you are eligible, the national screening service will contact you directly with instructions on how to access a kit.
• If you already have an outstanding routine cervical screening invitation and wish to book a standard in-clinic smear test with our practice nurse, you can continue to book as normal.

• • You can read more about the national announcement on the NHS England website.

Additional Women’s Health information  

The Dorset Women’s Health website provides early help and self-help advice for women and girls. It is an inclusive space for all women, including those who are transgender or non-binary.

You can find trusted information on:

• Menopause and pelvic health
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Contraception and HPV

Visit the resource: Dorset Women’s Health website